does anybody have any tips on buying a families first puppy and where to buy one

Check out http://www.thegoldenretrieverclub.co.uk There is plenty of advice on that site on buying a puppy (Click on the button saying "Puppy news"), and you can contact your local puppy co-ordinator for details of breeders. :)

When buying a Golden puppy you should make sure to see paperwork to prove the parents have had all the relevant health testing; xrays for Hip Dysplasia (average score in the breed 19 so you don't want the parents to have much higer scores, preferably lower), xrays for elbow scoring and annual eye testing.